Meeting the Challenge: Get Your AC Ready for Spring
As the temperatures climb this spring, your attention shifts from home heating to air conditioning. Making sure your HVAC system is prepared for the changing seasons is crucial if you hope to maintain home comfort and energy efficiency. Stick to these HVAC system transition tips from the HVAC pros at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to ensure your AC is primed and ready for the warmer months ahead.
Inspect the Air Filter
Your HVAC filter gradually accumulates dust, pollen and other particles, decreasing airflow. This forces your system to work harder. Ideally, you should replace the filter every one to three months, with exactly how often you change it determined by your system usage and filter type. Install the proper size and efficiency rating for your system, because using the wrong filter can overly restrict airflow and decrease efficiency. If you’re not sure which filter to buy or how to install it into your system, ask your HVAC specialist during your next scheduled maintenance appointment to demonstrate.
Look Over the Exterior Condensing Unit
The outdoor unit of your air conditioning system that releases hot air, also known as a condensing unit, is a very important part of the cooling process. Here’s how to prepare your condensing unit for another summer:
- Take off the AC cover: If you placed a cover or board over your outdoor unit to protect it during the winter, remove it before powering up the air conditioner for the first time this spring.
- Clean the unit: Over the fall and winter, your outside unit may have become covered in leaves, dirt and other debris. Gently spray it with a garden hose to wash away this buildup.
- Remove nearby debris: The area surrounding your outdoor unit should remain clear for optimal airflow. Clear away leaves, pine needles and other debris close to the HVAC equipment. Also, trim nearby any plants to make sure you have at least 12 to 24 inches of clearance on all sides.
- Check that the unit is level: The concrete pad your condensing unit is placed on may shift or settle with time, causing the unit to tilt. To protect against improper operation and premature wear, straighten the unit by wedging shims below its base. Verify your efforts with a carpenter’s level.
Increase the Temperature on the Thermostat
Set your thermostat to a pleasant yet energy-efficient temperature. For the warmer months, 78 degrees F is advised while you’re at home. If you feel overly warm, run the ceiling fan to make the room feel cooler without turning down the thermostat.
Increase the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees when the house is empty during the day to reduce your energy bills. To avoid losing comfort, use a programmable thermostat and set it to resume to a higher temperature before you return home. This strategy saves up to 10% on your air conditioning costs.
Examine and Clean Your Air Registers
Dust, pet hair and other particles can collect on supply and return registers, obstructing airflow. Use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to clean out this mess. Next, make sure all your vents are open and not covered up by objects, rugs or curtains.
In spite of what you might think, closing vents in unused rooms does not save energy; all it does is interrupt the system’s return/supply balance. To avoid unnecessary strain, keep at least 80% of your supply registers open and unblocked at all times.
Find and Seal Air Leaks
Leaky windows, doors and other cracks enable hot, humid air to get in your home. To fix this issue, scrutinize window and door seals, using caulk and weatherstripping to seal any gaps. Next, search the attic for insufficient insulation or breaks next to pipes, ductwork and light fixtures. Fix these leaks with spray foam and top them with additional insulation to minimize unwanted air exchange through the attic floor.
Run a Test Cycle
Before the season really gets hot, turn on your air conditioning for a short while. Walk around your home and make sure cool air flows easily from every single vent. If you see anything amiss, call in a professional HVAC tech for AC repair to correct the issue right away.
Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing
While do-it-yourself upkeep is beneficial, it can’t replace the in-depth and skilled care provided by a certified professional. Tasks like measuring the refrigerant charge, tightening electrical connections and cleaning the evaporator coil call for specialized tools and training that only specialists possess.
Spring is a perfect time to set up AC maintenance, enabling you to address issues early on and prepare the system for the summer heat. Prioritize this service to experience the following perks:
- Reduced energy expenses
- Fewer midseason breakdowns
- Lower repair costs
- Better home comfort
- Longer system life span
- Protected warranty coverage
Why Choose Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for Your HVAC Needs in the U.S.?
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing delivers trusted AC services to ensure your comfort and satisfaction this spring. Our ACE-certified technicians are trained to provide speedy, effective solutions to all your heating and cooling challenges. For professional service that lives up to our name, reach out to us at 866-397-3787 today!